Heading out on a road trip to Chicago? Well, before you pack your bags and hit the road, it’s essential to know how much your trip will cost. The expenses of a road trip can vary depending on several factors, such as the distance you have to travel, the type of vehicle you are driving, the number of people going along with you, and your overall budget.
Distance and Fuel Costs
One of the significant expenses that you need to consider while planning a road trip is fuel costs. The amount you spend on gas depends on the distance between your starting point and final destination. If you are traveling from New York City, for example, it’ll take about 800 miles to reach Chicago.
The average gas price in the USA is around $3.00 per gallon. So if your car’s gas mileage is around 25 miles per gallon, then you’ll need about 32 gallons of gas for a one-way trip. Therefore, it will cost approximately $96 for one-way fuel expenses.
Lodging Costs
Another essential aspect that can influence your budget is lodging costs. If you plan to stay overnight during your road trip, then hotel expenses should be factored in when calculating your overall costs. The hotel prices in Chicago might vary depending on the location and season; however, the average price per night ranges between $150-$200.
Food Expenses
Food is another expense that adds up while traveling on a road trip. Depending on how often and where you choose to eat out or cook meals yourself (if possible), food expenses can vary significantly. If we assume an average cost per meal at $15-20 per person per meal for three meals a day for two days total (assuming two nights in Chicago), then food expenses could add up anywhere from $180-$240.
Toll Roads and Parking Expenses
Toll roads and parking expenses also need to be considered when traveling by car. For example, if you’re driving from New York City to Chicago, you’ll need to pass through several toll roads along the way.
Toll prices can vary depending on the location and type of vehicle. On average, you can expect to pay $20-$30 in tolls for a one-way trip. Parking fees in Chicago may vary based on location; however, it might cost up to $30 per day.
Total Expenses
So, how much will a road trip to Chicago cost? Here’s a rough estimate of what expenses you can expect:
- Gas: $96 (one-way)
- Lodging: $300 (two nights)
- Food: $180-$240
- Tolls: $20-$30 (one-way)
- Parking Fees: $60 (two nights)
Overall, it could cost anywhere from around $676-$736 for a two-night road trip from New York City to Chicago.
Conclusion
Road trips are an exciting way to explore new places and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. However, it’s essential to plan ahead and consider all the expenses involved before hitting the road.
By factoring in fuel costs, lodging expenses, food costs, toll fees, parking charges- you can get a rough estimate of how much it’ll cost for your road trip to Chicago. So pack your bags and hit the road with peace of mind!